Businesses in East Hanningfield have joined together to demand action over what they claim is a third rate postal delivery service.

Many of the village's 40 strong business community have not been receiving their first class mail until between noon and 2.30pm, leaving them waiting for important cheques, orders and deliveries.

Mike Philpott, who runs a consultancy and training company from his East Hanningfield home, described the delivery service as a 'comedy show'.

"It seems to me they are burying us rural communities in stainless steel coffins and slowly nailing the top down," he said.

"One mail order business on the industrial estate spends £50,000 a year on postage alone but still rural areas are classed as a third rate delivery service by the Royal Mail."

Mr Philpott was joined by representatives from other businesses at a meeting with the Royal Mail last week to try and reach a compromise.

"When you are self employed you're responsible for everything, said Mr Philpott. "The prompt delivery of mail is just so important."

A spokesman for the Royal Mail, said: "We understand that businesses based on the industrial estate wish to receive their mail as early as possible, but must stress that Royal Mail is required to deliver to rural areas, such as East Hanningfield before 2pm. This requirement is being fulfiled.

"However, we undertook last week to investigate the possibility of altering delivery routes to enable mail to be delivered earlier to the industrial estate. We will be looking at such a change as part of a national programme to improve our operations and efficiency."

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